Matthew Nyanplu, leader of the Proposed Party for the People, has publicly criticized Gbarpolu County Senator Amara Konneh for his recent comments regarding the Legislature’s perceived subservience to the executive branch. In a statement issued Tuesday, January 7, 2025, titled “Senator, We Must Be True to Ourselves and Help Our Country”, Nyanplu highlighted what he described as contradictions in Konneh’s actions within the Senate.
Nyanplu began by acknowledging Konneh’s assertion that the Legislature functions as “largely an extension of the executive,” agreeing with the sentiment but arguing that the senator himself has contributed to this reality. He pointed to Konneh’s recent call for House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa to resign in the interest of national unity, labeling it as a move that ultimately benefits the executive branch. “Koffa is the legitimate Speaker of the House, and any other conduct is lawless and unconstitutional,” Nyanplu declared.
The opposition leader also criticized Konneh’s handling of the controversy surrounding the academic credentials of the foreign minister-designate. Nyanplu accused Konneh of enabling the minister’s confirmation by publicly defending the misrepresentations on her curriculum vitae. He argued that such actions undermine the integrity of the confirmation process and reinforce the Legislature’s role as a “rubber stamp” for executive decisions.
Nyanplu further criticized the Senate for recognizing the so-called “majority bloc” in the House of Representatives, a move he described as unconstitutional and a violation of the Legislature’s rules. He emphasized that Konneh has been an active participant in a Senate that he claims has repeatedly failed to uphold its constitutional duties.
Turning to the recently passed national budget, Nyanplu warned that if signed into law, it could trigger impeachment proceedings against President Joseph Boakai. He accused the Senate, including Konneh, of approving the controversial budget despite its alleged illegality, suggesting that such actions erode public trust in Liberia’s democratic institutions.
Nyanplu also highlighted the Senate’s failure to reject any executive nominees during Konneh’s tenure. “Show a contrary record,” he challenged, arguing that the Senate’s blanket approval of nominees emphasizes its lack of independence and accountability.
In his closing remarks, Nyanplu urged Konneh and other lawmakers to adopt a more principled approach in the new year. He called on the senator to take bold, unpopular stances to defend truth and the law, even if it comes at a personal or political cost. “We all must account for making our public institutions rubber stamps,” Nyanplu stated, adding that meaningful change requires breaking ranks with partisan and executive interests.
The statement concludes with a plea for accountability and a commitment to uphold democratic values. “Be different. Stand for something even if that makes you unpopular. Stay on the side of /truth and the law,” Nyanplu urged.
